The role of compaction in the quality of repair mortars

Title: The role of compaction in the quality of repair mortars
Author(s): M. Stefanidou
Paper category : conference
Book title: Workshop Repair Mortars for Historic Masonry
Editor(s): C. Groot
Print-ISBN: None
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-083-7
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2009
Pages: 339 - 344
Total Pages: 6
Nb references: 8
Language: English

Abstract: For the production of mortar mixtures either in the laboratory or in the field the role of compaction is not emphasized in relative regulation (EN 1015-11). Technical difficulties such as the luck of equipment and the position in the structure may be factors to neglect compaction.
Series of laboratory tests have been performed in order to show the influence of compaction in the structure and properties of lime -based mortars. A method easy to use was applied and properties such as the compressive strength, the open porosity, the pore size distribution and absorption of water through capillary pores were measured.
The experiments have shown that mortars with intense compaction presented higher strength (5-9%) and lower open porosity (1-2%) in comparison with low compacted mortars. It seems that large pores (100-10 micometres) were reduced in well compacted samples and micro pores (d<0.01micrometres) were also considerably reduced (25%) in comparison with mortars to which low compaction was applied. Also, in the first case the rate and the final absorbed water by capillarity were lower than in the latter case.
From the above mentioned, the need to emphasize the parameter of compaction is obvious in order to improve the physical and the mechanical properties of the repair mortars.

Online publication: 2009-06-08
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00